This camera is a Magazine Cyclone No. 5 manufactured by the Western Camera Manufacturing Co. of Chicago that has been re-badged by Griffin. It is a well-made model but without features such as focusing and shutter control found on more complicated cameras.

Under the Cyclone name the camera was produced in different sizes, early models had the changing release on the top of the camera and the exposed plates were removed through the door at the back of the camera. Later the changing release was moved to the side and a second door was added at the bottom to remove the exposed plates. The distinguishing feature of the changing mechanism is the rods to which the plate sheaths attach, these bend round to the base of the camera and hold the plates after exposure. A toothed bar at the front of the camera dampens the falling plate.

The shutter was patented in the United States by Victor Odquist and John C. Fyfe, the changing mechanism was patented separately by Harry D. Haight and Lincoln L. Cossitt. In Britain a single patent was issued to Haight and Cossitt. In 1899 the Western company merged with others to form Rochester Optical & Camera Co., which later (1903) was bought out by the Rochester Optical Co., part of Eastman.

The Cyko was introduced by Griffin in 1899.